Colby Covington isn’t losing sleep over whether he still belongs in the UFC welterweight rankings.
Fresh off a dominant showing at RAF 5, where he cruised past Luke Rockhold via a 12-0 technical fall, the former interim champion brushed aside recent comments from UFC CEO Dana White questioning his continued presence in the top 15. Covington hasn’t won a UFC fight since 2022 and didn’t compete inside the Octagon at all in 2025, a fact that resurfaced during White’s recent appearance on Barstool Sports.
When asked about Covington still being ranked despite the inactivity and losses, White responded bluntly.
Covington, however, made it clear that rankings mean little to him. Speaking at the RAF 5 post-fight press conference, he leaned into trademark confidence and dismissed the entire debate.
“It really doesn’t matter what Dana White thinks of me,” Covington said.“I’m a world champion. I’m Donald Trump’s favorite fighter. I’m America’s champion. I’m the king of Miami. You can never take those titles away from me.”
The outspoken welterweight doubled down, insisting that numbers next to his name don’t define his value.
“Take me out of the rankings, whatever,” Covington added.“I’m still the biggest draw at welterweight. It makes no difference what number is next to my name. I know what I’m capable of, and I know I’m still the best fighter and wrestler on planet Earth.”
Covington hasn’t competed in the UFC since December 2024, when a brutal cut forced a doctor’s stoppage in his loss to Joaquin Buckley. That defeat followed a flat decision loss to then-champion Leon Edwards. Overall, Covington has gone 1-3 in his last four UFC appearances, with only four fights between 2021 and 2024.
Still, his wrestling return injected new life into his competitive career. The former NCAA standout looked comfortable and composed against Rockhold, securing his first official win in any combat sport since his 2022 victory over Jorge Masvidal.
Buoyed by that performance, Covington immediately set his sights on another high-profile name, Georges St-Pierre.
“GSP is one of the GOATs of the organization,” Covington said.“He’s the only guy ahead of me on the UFC welterweight takedown list. He’s No. 1, I’m No. 2. So I want to settle this on the RAF mat.”
“I think this match needs to happen,” he said.“I know Georges probably still wants to compete, and the fans want to see him compete. So GSP, let’s give the fans what they want. Let’s find out who the greatest welterweight wrestler in history really is.”
At 37, Covington’s UFC future remains uncertain, especially with his stock slipping inside the promotion. But if his RAF performance is any indication, “Chaos” may be carving out a new lane, one where rankings matter far less than attention, rivalries, and staying relevant on his own terms.
